Experience the wonders of the Chateau of Chambord and Chenonceau before proceeding to the privately-owned castle, Nitray, where you will enjoy a delightful wine-tasting session. These castles are majestic representations of the glorious era of the French Renaissance.

Highlights

Visit the same castle that inspired the Disney classic, ‘Beauty and the Beast’

An expert English-speaking guide will regale you with fascinating stories about all that you see

Try out a few superb red and white wines at the family-owned Nitray Castle

Feast on a delicious three-course French meal where there will be more (unlimited) wine

Admire the elegant stone carvings at Château de Chenonceau and walk around its beautiful gardens

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Your Experience

Your tour will begin from Les Catacombes de Paris. Your guide will accompany you on the air-conditioned coach to the Château de Chambord. Once you see the castle, it will become instantly apparent that this place served as a major inspiration for ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The massive structure is a confluence of medieval architecture and classical French Renaissance architecture. The guide will tell you more about the history of the castle as you walk around the building. You’ll even get a chance to climb a staircase that was designed by the legendary Da Vinci. After the guide has taken you through most of the castle’s major attractions, you can take some time to explore the castle by yourself. Climb up to the roof for an incredible view of the surrounding area or stroll through the vast castle grounds which are home to wild deer.

The charming, 15th-century Château de Nitray will be your next destination, where family members, perhaps even the personable owner François, will be waiting to proudly give you a guided tasting of their wines. This privately-run castle that boasts a small family chapel, the legendary Nitray vineyard, and a charming rose garden. You'll enjoy a wide range of white and red and even a sweet dessert wine, with tasting notes from a real expert. There will be more wine (unlimited) when we sit down to lunch, a hearty three-course meal of traditional rural French dishes served by our hosts. After coffee and dessert, the owner will take you to the pigeon-house and you will have free time to explore the area at your own pace.

The Château de Chenonceau will be the final attraction you will visit on this tour. The castle is filled with elegant stone carvings, vaulted kitchens, and luxurious bedrooms that seem to be frozen in time. The beautiful bridge over the Cher River is also a spectacular sight. After wandering through the gardens outside the chateau, you will have two options. You can either partake in a second round of wine tasting in the Cave des Domes or continue touring the castle.

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Inclusions

Expert English-speaking tour guide

Small groups of 25 people or fewer

Entrance ticket and reservation fee for all sites visited

All transfers to and from Paris in an air-conditioned coach

Lunch, including wine

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Exclusions

Hotel transfers

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Know Before You Go

Important Information

Since there is plenty of walking involved, comfortable walking shoes are recommended

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Strollers or baby carriages cannot be taken on the tour

Please note that lunch might take place at a different location depending on venue availability